PART 1432 - CONTRACT FINANCING

Use of progress payments based on a percentage or stage of completion are authorized for construction contracts. Progress payments for other than construction, alteration, and repair contracts require the CO to write a determination that:

(a) Payments based on costs would be impracticable; and

(b) Adequate measures exist for determining quality standards and the percentage of work accomplished.

Guaranteed loan applications shall be authorized and transmitted to the Federal Reserve Board by the AS/PMB, in accordance with FAR 32.304-2(h).

The HCA is authorized to approve determinations and findings, as well as contract terms, for advance payments. The CO shall submit a recommendation for approval or disapproval of the contractor's request to the HCA through the head of the bureau finance office.

The HCA may authorize advance payments without interest pursuant to FAR 32.407.

The CO shall obtain the advance approval of the HCA, or designee, before providing a progress payment rate higher than the customary rates as defined in FAR 32.501-1. Advance approval to provide progress payment rates higher than the customary rates shall not be delegated lower than the CCO.

The CO shall obtain approval of the bureau finance office prior to taking actions listed in FAR 32.502-2.

344 DM contains policy, standards, and guidelines for collection of debts within DOI. Each bureau and office is responsible for developing an internal debt collection system and prescribing internal procedures for collection of debts, including debts covered under FAR Subpart 32.6.

The CO may recommend compromise of contractor actions pursuant to FAR 32.610, but shall consult 344 DM and SOL for further action.

The CO may modify the timing of payment specified in paragraph (a)(1)(i) and (ii) of the clause FAR 52.232-26, Prompt Payment for Fixed-Price Architect-Engineer Contracts, and/or paragraph (a)(1)(i) and (ii) of the clause at FAR 52.232-27, Prompt Payment for Construction Contracts, as appropriate, to provide for a period shorter than 30 days (but not less than 7 days) for making contract financing payments based on geographical site location, workload, contractor ability to submit a proper request for payment, or other factors. When considering a modification to these FAR standard(s), the CO should alert the finance and program officials involved in the payment process to ensure that such shorter contract payment terms to be specified in the solicitation and resulting contract will be met. A CO determination justifying a shorter payment period must be documented in writing, and incorporated into the solicitation/contract file.